Understanding the Quest: Theoretical and Philosophical

Day 1, October 6, 2008

Agenda:

Welcome and Introductions

• Name, grade, school and one fear and one expectation
• Overview of the Project

Definition, explanation and modeling of Backwards Design (links at the end of this page are well worth following)

Inquiry Framework

1. Essential/Guiding question
2. Defining the destination
3. Wandering
4. Arrival

The Essential Question

Why is inquiry a valid framework for learning?

Guiding Questions:

What is Inquiry Learning?
What classroom environment is conducive to inquiry learning?
What are essential questions and why are they important?
What is backwards design?
How dos the 'global world' impact the classroom?
How does technology support inquiry?
How do the arts support inquiry?
What ill inquiry learning do to my classroom practice?
What will inquiry learning do for student learning and motivation?

What is Inquiry Learning?

Activating knowledge base:

1. Brainstorming - bubble.us (Donna)
2. Frayer model- small group (Joanne)
3. Anticipatory set (Joanne)
4. Metaphorically speaking (Sherron)

Coffee as you go....

Expand knowledge base:

1. Wiki explanation and demo (Donna)
2. Search internet and print resources (Donna - evaluation criteria)
3. Perception check - discussion, new questions (Joanne)
4. Continue to search
5. Contribute to the wiki
6. Checking In (Joanne)
   1. Quick write - thoughts in response to what you have learned - response to guiding question (What is Inquiry Learning?)

LUNCH

Apply knowledge base:
Each grade group create a VoiceThread synthesizing their thoughts

1. Meet in grade groups to share individual response to guiding question. Discussion and come to decisions about essential components and reflections among group. (Joanne)
2. Introduce Voice Thread (Donna)
   1. brief overview of how to use the application
   2. emphasize: sythesizing, metaphors, picture taking, downloading, copyright, recording....
3. Share and discuss all Voice Threads and highlight important components of inquiry as well as their response to it.
4. Embed Voice Threads in Wiki

Closure

Reflection

• on your wiki page summarize a shift in thinking that you've been exposed to and your reaction to it
• Respond to the guiding and then the essential questions

Day 2 plans

Next >>> Understanding the Quest: Day 2